‘I leave Gbenga Daniel to his conscience’, Governor Abiodun breaks silence on senatorial bid

Governor Dapo Abiodun has reacted to reports that Senator Gbenga Daniel picked up a nomination form ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the APC’s adoption of the governor as its consensus candidate in Ogun State.

Abiodun spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta on Tuesday, where he reflected on his long political relationship with Daniel and their past roles within the party.

“I was here when Ibikunle Amosun became governor, I was here when Gbenga Daniel became governor. I actually ran against governor Daniel at some point, and as soon as he emerged in the primaries, I was one of the first people to congratulate him, and I gave him all my structure and I supported him,” he said.

He added that both men had supported each other over the years, noting his role in Daniel’s political journey. “I know what I did for governor Daniel to become a senator… I intervened for the front runners to step down for Gbenga Daniel,” Abiodun said.

The governor, however, expressed disappointment over recent developments, stating, “If governor Daniel now believes that the only way to repay me is to be sponsoring negative media attacks against me, I leave him to his conscience.”

This comes as Otunba Gbenga Daniel, APC chieftain and senator representing Ogun East, picked up nomination and expression of interest forms despite the party’s adoption of Abiodun as consensus candidate for 2027.

Recall that APC leaders in a caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode had endorsed Abiodun, while Daniel was allegedly denied access to the meeting venue before proceeding with his own nomination bid.

Meanwhile, APC spokesperson in the state, Olufemi Nuberu, dismissed claims of division in the party, insisting it remains united and capable of managing internal disagreements without crisis.